Senator Klobuchar has the honor of nominating a few of Minnesota's most talented and skilled young people for selection to one of our four service academies: United States Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, West Point, and the Naval Academy. (The Coast Guard Academy does not use congressional nominations in its appointment process.)

To be considered for a nomination, candidates should have a strong academic background, participation in school and community activities (particularly in leadership positions), a high standard of physical fitness, and a desire to be challenged to the fullest.

Each Senator is allowed just five individuals enrolled in a particular Academy at any given time. The Senator nominates ten individuals per open slot at each Academy. Each Academy then appoints the nominees who fulfill its admission requirements.

At the same time an individual seeks a nomination from the Senator's office, they must also begin an application directly with the Academy. The Academies recommend that applicants begin the process very early and each Academy offers detailed information about the application process and requirements on its admissions webpage.

Nomination Qualifications

Candidates, male and female, must be:

- A citizen of the United States. Your citizenship must be finalized prior to entering the Academy. You must submit proof of citizenship if you were foreign born or naturalized

- Unmarried with no dependents

- Of good moral character

- At least 17, but less than 23 years of age by July 1 of the year you would enter the Academy. The age requirement is public law and cannot be waived

The final step of the congressional nomination process is an in-person interview at Senator Klobuchar's Minneapolis office. All interviews will be conducted on Saturday, November 16, 2019 and all applicants who complete their applications by the deadline will be invited for an interview. Candidates will be interviewed by service academy alumni and representatives. The Senator and the selection committee will make final selections and notify nominees early next year. If you have any questions about the congressional nominations process, please see the frequently asked questions below, or contact our nominations coordinator by phone at (612) 727-5220 or by email: Nominations Coordinator

Military Academy Nomination FAQ's

Do I need to have my ACT and SAT scores sent directly to your office from the testing companies?

No. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we ask that applicants submit all materials at once as a completed application package. Your test scores should be included in your completed application package so a copy of your official score sheet is sufficient.

Should my school mail my transcript directly to your office?

No. Again, applications must be submitted a completed package so please include your official transcript in the completed application package.

I am currently in my first year of college or attending an academy preparatory school. Do you still need my ACT/SAT scores and high school transcript?

Yes. We still need all of the application requirements, and we also need your transcript from your college or preparatory school. Again, all of this should be sent in a completed packet.

I forgot to include something in my application and someone called to tell me to send it in. When do I need to send it, and will my application still be considered?

All application materials must be in Senator Klobuchar's Minneapolis office by the application deadline. Any additions or updates to your application will be accepted until that time.

I am out of the state and unable to travel to Minnesota for an interview. Can I have my interview over the phone?

Yes. We will schedule phone interviews under certain circumstances. However, if you need a phone interview rather than an in-person interview, you must contact the nominations coordinator to explain why and make arrangements. Phone interviews will still take place on the same day as in-person interviews. If you are in the state, however, it is highly recommended that you be here for an interview.

Can I have my interview on a different day if I am unable on the specified date?

No. All interviews are held on the same day. If you are unavailable on this date, please contact the nominations coordinator right away.

How do I reach the nomination coordinator?

You can reach the nominations coordinator by email or by phone at (612) 727-5220.